Oxide semiconductor for thermistor and manufacturing method thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to oxide semiconductors for thermistors for use as sensors mainly in a temperature range of 200°-500°, an embodiment of which comprises 5 kinds of metal elements 60.0-98.5 atomic % of Mn, 0.1-5.0 atomic % of Ni, 0.3-5.0 atomic % of Cr, 0.2-5.0 atomic % of Y and 0.5-28.0 atomic % of Zr, to the sum total of 100 atomic %; the oxide semiconductors for thermistors have an excellent characteristic feature as temperature sensors for use in intermediate and high temperature ranges; that is, giving such a small resistance change with time as within ±5% at temperatures between 200°-500° C., they are most suitable for temperature measurement applications where high reliability is required at high temperatures.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a oxide semiconductors for thermistors adapted for use mainly in a temperature range of 200°-500° C.

BACKGROUND ART

Heretofore, thermistors comprising oxides of Mn and Co as their main components have been widely used. They include compositions of Mn-Co system oxide, Mn-Co-Cu system oxide, Mn-Co-Ni system oxide and Mn-Co-Ni-Cu system oxide, which have been used as general purpose disc shape thermistors for such applications as in temperature compensation, etc. These thermistors give, as a characteristic of such materials, specific resistances from ten and several Ω-cm to one hundred and several tens kΩ-cm for use mainly in a temperature range from -40° C. to 150° C. However, demand for their use as temperature sensors has recently grown larger; thus, thermistor sensors which are usable at higher temperatures have been in demand.

As a first step, a demand has been raised for thermistor sensors which are usable at temperatures up to 300° C. for temperature control of petroleum combustion equipment. In order to deal with this situation, materials with high specific resistances have been used as materials of thermistors in the place of conventional materials comprising oxides of Co-Mn as their main components and until now Mn-Ni-Al system oxide semiconductors (Japanese Patent Gazette Patent Laid-Open No. Sho 57-95603) and Mn-Ni-Cr-Zr system oxide semiconductors (Specification of U.S. Pat. No. 4,324,702) offered by the present inventors have been put into practical use.

With regard to the construction of the sensor, sloughing conventional structure of the disc shape thermistor molded of resin, the object of shielding it from high temperature atmosphere has been attained by sealing a thermistor element of such a very minute size as 500 μm×500 μm×300 μm (t) in a glass tube or by coating glass on the thermistor element by way of dipping. On the other hand, just as the disc shape thermistors, bead shape thermistors have been improved in heat resistance by glass-coating.

However, a demand for thermistor sensors which are usable at still higher temperatures has not been abated, there is a strong demand for sensors at such temperatures as above 300° C., 500° C. or up to 700° C. These demands can not be met with the conventional materials because of the following two problems involved: (1) their specific resistances, one of characteristics of thermistor materials, are low; that is, resistances required for operation of equipment at intended temperatures can not be obtained, and (2) they are not reliable because their resistance changes with time at high temperatures and thus exceeds the required 5% (500° C., 1000 Hr).

On the other hand, materials used at such high temperatures as 700° C.-1000° C., stabilized zirconia (ZrO₂ -Y₂ O₃, ZrO₂ -CaO, etc.), Mg-Al-Cr-Fe system oxide compositions, etc., have been developed. However, as these oxide materials require such high sintering temperatures above 1600° C.; they could not be sintered, using ordinary electric furnaces (operatable at 1600° C. max.). Moreover, even sintered materials give large resistance changes with time at high temperatures, being as large as 10% (1000 Hr) as reported for even the very stable ones, and therefore, improvement in reliability is further sought.

To solve this problem, new materials have already been developed in Japan, but they are still in the evaluation stage (Mn-Zr-Ni system oxide: Japanese Patent Gazette, Patent Laid-Open No. Sho 55-88305 (Ni_(x) Mg_(y) Zn_(z)) Mn₂ O₄ -spinel type: ibid. Patent Laid-Open No. Sho 57-88701 (Ni_(p) Co_(q) Fe_(r) Al_(s) Mn_(t))O₄ -spinel type: ibid. Patent Laid-Open No. Sho 57-88702).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides oxide semiconductors for thermistors comprising 5 kinds of metal elements -60.0-98.5 atomic % of manganese (Mn), 0.1-5.0 atomic % of nickel (Ni), 0.3-5.0 atomic % of chromium (Cr), 0.2-5.0 atomic % of yttrium 0.5-28.0 atomic % of zirconium (zr), to a sum total of 100 atomic %--which endow the thermistors with a high reliability as evidenced by their resistance changes with time after a lapse of 1000 hr at 500° C. being within ±5%.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a front view of section of a thermistor sealed in glass which has been trial-made from the composition of the present invention.

FIG. 2 through 6 portray characteristic graphs showing resistance changes with time at 500° C. of thermistors sealed in glass manufactured from the compositions of the present invention.

THE BEST MODE FOR EMBODYING THE INVENTION

The present invention is the accumulated result of various experiments providing oxide semiconductors for a thermistor comprising 5 kinds of metal elements--60.0-98.5 atomic % of manganese (Mn), 0.1-5.0 atomic % of nickel (Ni), 0.3-5.0 atomic % of chromium (Cr), 0.2-5.0 atomic % of yttrium (Y) and 0.5-28.0 atomic % of zirconium (Zr), to the sum total of 100 atomic %.

Also it provides other oxide semiconductors for a thermistor further comprising 2.0 atomic % or below of silicon (Si) (exclusive of 0 atomic %) in addition to the composition comprising 5 kinds of metal elements--60.0-98.5 atomic % of manganese (Mn), 0.1-5.0 atomic % of nickel (Ni), 0.3-5.0 atomic % of chromium (Cr), 0.2-5.0 atomic % of yttrium and 0.5-28.0 atomic % of zirconium (Zr), to the sum total of 100 atomic %.

In the following, this invention is described in connection with some embodiments thereof:

<EXAMPLE 1>

First, MnCO₃, NiO and Cr₂ O₃, materials available on the market, and ZrO₂ having Y₂ O₃ dissolved therein in solid state were so proportioned as to have the composition of respective atomic % shown in Table 1 below. The materials were mixed together in the wet state in a ball-mill and, thereafter, dried and calcined at 1000° C. The product was again milled with a ball-mill and the slurry obtained was dried. After drying and adding polyvinyl alcohol and mixed therewith as a binder, a required amount of the slurry, was taken and pressed into a block 30 mm in diameter and 15 mm thick. The pressed block was sintered in air at 1500° C. for 2 hr. The block obtained in this way was sliced and ground to produce a 150-400 μm thick wafer therefrom and a platinum electrode was provided on this wafer by screen printing method. A chip of the desired size was cut from this wafer provided with the electrode. This element was sealed in a glass tube in an atmosphere of argon gas, hermetically sealed from ambient air. At this time, Dumet wire was utilized as the lead wire terminal, but slag leads such as Kovar wire, etc., may be employed to suit the operating temperature. Depending on the type of slag lead, the sealed-in atmosphere may be altered, as appropriate, into air, etc.. The resistance change of this thermistor sealed in glass was measured after leaving for 1000 hr in air at 500° C. Its specific resistances at 25° C. are shown, as the initial characteristic, together with the thermistor constant as a thermistor sealed in glass, in listed in Table 1. The thermistor constant B was calculated by the following formula (1) from the resistance values obtained by measurements at two temperatures of 300° C. and 500° C. The element dimensions were 400 μm×400 μm×300 μm. ##EQU1##

                                      TABLE 1                                      __________________________________________________________________________      Sample composition (atom %)                                                                            ρ.sub.25° C.                                                                     Rate of resistance                       Sample No.                                                                           Mn Ni Cr Y  Zr Si (Ω · cm)                                                             (K)     change with time (%)                      __________________________________________________________________________     101   69.5                                                                              5.0                                                                               5.0                                                                               0.5                                                                               20.0                                                                              0  365K 5670    4.4                                       *102  69.0                                                                              5.5                                                                               5.0                                                                               0.5                                                                               20.0                                                                              0  290K 5510    5.8                                       *103  72.0                                                                              2.0                                                                               5.5                                                                               0.5                                                                               20.0                                                                              0  510K 5820    5.1                                       104   76.0                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               0.6                                                                               19.4                                                                              0  720K 6030    2.4                                       105   68.0                                                                              2.5                                                                               2.5                                                                               2.0                                                                               25.0                                                                              0  680K 5940    2.8                                       *106  64.0                                                                              1.0                                                                               4.0                                                                               1.0                                                                               30.0                                                                              0  840K 6400    5.5                                       *107  64.5                                                                              2.5                                                                               2.5                                                                               5.5                                                                               25.0                                                                              0  740K 6230    5.8                                       *108  75.0                                                                              5.0                                                                               5.0                                                                               0  15.0                                                                              0  190K 5410    10.3                                      *109  82.4                                                                              0  2.3                                                                               0.3                                                                               15.0                                                                              0   1.3 M                                                                              6740    7.2                                       *110  82.4                                                                              2.3                                                                               0  0.3                                                                               15.0                                                                              0  290K 5600    6.3                                       *111  98.6                                                                              0.4                                                                               0.3                                                                               0.2                                                                               0.5                                                                               0  970K 6350    5.8                                       *112  59.0                                                                              3.5                                                                               4.5                                                                               5.0                                                                               28.0                                                                              0  795K 6280    5.2                                       *113  94.6                                                                              2.5                                                                               2.5                                                                               0.2                                                                               0.2                                                                               0  287K 5480    5.3                                       114   62.0                                                                              2.0                                                                               5.0                                                                               3.0                                                                               28.0                                                                              0  810K 6500    3.6                                       115   79.7                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.3                                                                               15.0                                                                              0  485K 5990    3.9                                       116   80.3                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               0.7                                                                               15.0                                                                              0  513K 6020    2.6                                       117   74.8                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.2                                                                               20.0                                                                              0  550K 6210    3.3                                       118   74.8                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.2                                                                               20.0                                                                              0.5                                                                               738K 6370    3.4                                       119   74.8                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.2                                                                               20.0                                                                              1.0                                                                               989K 6610    3.7                                       120   74.8                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.2                                                                               20.0                                                                              2.0                                                                                2.3 M                                                                              7030    5.0                                       *121  74.8                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.2                                                                               20.0                                                                              2.5                                                                                4.8 M                                                                              8040    14.3                                      122   85.0                                                                              1.6                                                                               3.0                                                                               0.4                                                                               10.0                                                                              0.3                                                                               394K 5680    4.8                                       123   80.8                                                                              1.0                                                                               2.5                                                                               0.7                                                                               15.0                                                                              1.0                                                                               845K 6490    3.7                                       124   79.3                                                                              1.0                                                                               4.0                                                                               0.7                                                                               15.0                                                                              0.5                                                                               711K 6130    4.3                                       125   80.3                                                                              1.5                                                                               2.5                                                                               0.7                                                                               15.0                                                                              0  480K 5750    4.0                                       126   69.0                                                                              1.5                                                                               2.5                                                                               2.0                                                                               25.0                                                                              0  678K 6000    2.9                                       127   68.0                                                                              1.5                                                                               2.5                                                                               3.0                                                                               25.0                                                                              0  634K 5960    2.8                                       128   90.0                                                                              0.3                                                                               4.5                                                                               0.2                                                                               5.0                                                                               0  540K 5810    4.8                                       __________________________________________________________________________      (The mark * identifies comparison sample.)                               

Table 1 clearly shows that products of Sample Nos. 108, 109 and 110 are comparison samples of 4 component system and Sample Nos. 102, 103, 106, 107, 111, 112, 113 and 121 are also comparison samples; all of them were found lacking in stability in practical use, giving rates of resistance change with time at 500° C. in excess of 5%.

As hereabove described, the samples used for measuring the rates of resistance change with time were sintered after being molded by dry pressing, but bead type elements may be used; thus, this invention is not bound by the element manufacturing method.

In this embodiment of the present invention, the amount of Zr mixed in, when zirconia balls were used in mixing the raw materials and in mixing the calcined product, was 0.5 atomic % or below on the basis of the thermistor composing elements as 100 atomic % and the amount of Si mixed in, when agate balls were used, was similarly 1 atomic % or below. Of the samples listed in the table above, those containing Si were all obtained by using zirconia gems and stones. Further, ZrO₂ used in this embodiment was a product having Y therein as solid solution, i.e., partially stabilized zirconia with yttria. As this partially stabilized zirconia with yttria, products available on the market or those supplied by makers as samples were employed, but some of them were synthesized from oxalates.

FIG. 1 shows the aforementioned thermistor sealed in glass, in which 1 denotes the thermistor element of this invention; 2, electrode made of Pt as its main component; 3, glass; and 4 slag lead.

The reason it is advantages to use ZrO₂ having Y therein as solid solution will become apparent from the following description: utilizing ZrO₂ having 3 mols of Y₂ O₃ therein as a solid solution (partially stabilized zirconia, hereinafter abbreviated to PSZ), a thermistor sealed in glass having a composition ratio of Mn : Ni : Cr : Zr (PSZ)=76.0 : 2.0 : 2.0 : 20.0 atomic % was prepared by the method shown in the aforementioned EXAMPLE 1. For comparison, another thermistor sealed in glass was prepared by separately using Y₂ O₃ and ZrO₂ in the same proportion. In Table 2 below, the specific resistances at 25° C. and the thermistor constants at 300° C. and 500° C. of the aforementioned samples are listed. In Table 2, characteristics of a 4 component system of Mn-Ni-Cr-Zr system oxide semiconductors (patent application No. Sho 58-131265) these are jointly disclosed.

FIG. 2 gives the rates of resistance change with time at 500° C. of these thermistors. In this graph, A₁ represents the results obtained by using PSZ in the embodiment of this invention; B₁ gives those in a comparison sample with a 4 component system of Mn-Ni-Cr-Zr; and C₁ corresponds to another comparison example in which Y₂ O₃ and ZrO₂ were separately added in place of PSZ. The samples have a dimension of 400 μm×400 μm×200 μm^(t).

                  TABLE 2                                                          ______________________________________                                                            Specific                                                                       resistance at                                                                              Thermistor                                      Sample             25° C.                                                                              constant B                                      No.   Sample       (Ω · cm)                                                                    (R.sub.300° C. /R.sub.500°                                       C.)                                             ______________________________________                                          129  Mn-Ni-Cr-PSZ 645K        5870 (K)                                              system                                                                   *130  Mn-Ni-Cr-Zr  670K        5910 (K)                                              system                                                                   *131  Mn-Ni-Cr-Y-Zr                                                                               980K        6060 (K)                                              system                                                                   ______________________________________                                          (The mark * identifies comparison samples, which are outside of the claim      of this invention.)                                                      

FIG. 2 clearly suggests that Sample No. 129 made by manufacturing method using PSZ excels those of Sample Nos. 130 and 131 in stability at high temperatures. Attention directed to the microstructure of the sample reveals that PSZ is existing as junctions or crystal grains themselves of the Mn-Ni-Cr system oxide spinel crystal. On the other hand, with the sample containing Y₂ O₃ and ZrO₂ mixed separately at the same time, analysis of a ceramic section by use of an X-ray microanalyzer shows that ZrO₂ exists at the junctions of the spinel crystal or as crystal grains, but that Y is not preferentially contained in ZrO₂ as solid solution, but is nearly uniformly dispersed. Using X-ray diffraction, it was impossible to identify the Mn-Ni-Cr-Y system oxide. This time, the sensor was manufactured by sealing the element cut off from the block in glass, but it has been confirmed that a similar effect is achievable with bead type elements; thus, the invention is not bound by a sensor manufacturing method.

In this embodiment, zirconium oxide ZY (3 mols) manufactured by Shinnippon Kinzoku-Kagaku, K.K., was used as PSZ, with PSZ having more finely pulverized particle diameters and sharp grain size distributions, which are obtained by a Co-precipitation process, stability under the higher temperatures is believed to be more enhanced.

<EXAMPLE 2>

Next, an embodiment being a composition comprising 5 kinds of metal elements--Mn, Ni, Cr, magnesium (Mg) and Zr, to the sum total of 100 atomic %--is described: It is an oxide semiconductor comprising 5 kinds of metal elements--60.0-98.5 atomic % of Mn, 0.1-5.0 atomic % of Ni, 0.3-5.0 atomic % of Cr, 0.2-3.5 atomic % of Mg and 0.5-28.0 atomic % of Zr, to the sum total of 100 atomic %. Another embodiment further comprising Si added to the composition comprising 5 kinds of metal elements--Mn, Ni, Cr, Mg and Zr, to the sum total of 100 atomic %--at a predetermined rate on the basis of the gross amount thereof is described in conjunction with the aforementioned embodiment. Thus, this embodiment offers an oxide semiconductor for a thermistor further comprising Si added to the composition comprising 5 kinds of metal elements--60.0-98.5 atomic % of Mn, 0.1-5.0 atomic % of Ni, 0.3-5.0 atomic % of Cr, 0.2-3.5 atomic % of Mg and 0.5-28.0 atomic % of Zr, to the sum total of 100 atomic %--at a rate of 2.0 atomic % or below (exclusive of 0 atomic %) on the basis of the gross amount thereof.

These embodiments are described hereunder: First, MnCO₃, NiO and Cr₂ O₃, being materials available on the market, and ZrO₂ containing MgO therein as solid solution were proportioned to have the compositions represented by respective atomic % values shown in Table 3 below. And thermistors sealed in glass were manufactured through the same process as in EXAMPLE 1, and the initial characteristics at 25° C. and the B constants calculated by the aforementioned formula (1) from the resistance values at 300° C. and 500° C. are put up in the table in conjunction with other. The rates of resistance change with time at 500° C. were calculated from the resistance values obtained after a lapse of 1000 hr.

Further, Table 4 and FIG. 3 are evidence of the effect achieved by the use of ZrO₂ stabilized by containing Mg therein as solid solution, just as in EXAMPLE 1. In this FIG. 3, A₂ represents the results achieved with a thermistor sensor manufactured by utilizing the stabilized zirconia: B₂ corresponds to Mn-Ni-Cr-Zr system oxide previously offered, and C₂ refers to one obtained by adding magnesia and zirconia separately.

                                      TABLE 3                                      __________________________________________________________________________      Sample composition (atom %)                                                                            ρ.sub.25° C.                                                             ##STR1##                                                                               Rate of resistance                       Sample No.                                                                           Mn Ni Cr Mg Zr Si (Ω · cm)                                                             (K)     change with time (%)                      __________________________________________________________________________     201   69.5                                                                              5.0                                                                               5.0                                                                               0.5                                                                               20.0                                                                              0  403K 5720    4.6                                       *202  69.0                                                                              5.5                                                                               5.0                                                                               0.5                                                                               20.0                                                                              0  298K 5510    6.0                                       *203  72.0                                                                              2.0                                                                               5.5                                                                               0.5                                                                               20.0                                                                              0  550K 5900    5.3                                       *204  75.0                                                                              5.0                                                                               5.0                                                                               0  15.0                                                                              0  190K 5410    10.3                                      *205  68.0                                                                              1.5                                                                               1.5                                                                               4.0                                                                               25.0                                                                              0  684K 6200    5.1                                       206   68.5                                                                              1.5                                                                               1.5                                                                               3.5                                                                               25.0                                                                              0  665K 6220    4.7                                       *207  81.8                                                                              0  2.3                                                                               0.9                                                                               15.0                                                                              0  1,640K                                                                              7080    6.8                                       *208  81.8                                                                              2.3                                                                               0  0.9                                                                               15.0                                                                              0  330K 5640    7.5                                       *209  98.6                                                                              0.4                                                                               0.3                                                                               0.2                                                                               0.5                                                                               0  971K 6350    5.6                                       *210  94.6                                                                              2.5                                                                               2.5                                                                               0.2                                                                               0.2                                                                               0  346K 5590    6.4                                       211   63.0                                                                              2.0                                                                               5.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               28.0                                                                              0  890K 6430    3.8                                       212   76.7                                                                              0.3                                                                               2.5                                                                               0.5                                                                               20.0                                                                              0  780K 6370    3.4                                       213   97.8                                                                              0.5                                                                               1.0                                                                               0.2                                                                               0.5                                                                               0  993K 6320    5.0                                       214   77.2                                                                              2.0                                                                               0.3                                                                               0.5                                                                               20.0                                                                              0  447K 5610    4.9                                       215   75.0                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.0                                                                               20.0                                                                              0  586K 6020    3.8                                       216   75.0                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.0                                                                               20.0                                                                              0.5                                                                               778K 6390    4.3                                       217   75.0                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.0                                                                               20.0                                                                              1.0                                                                               1,110K                                                                              6580    4.6                                       218   75.0                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.0                                                                               20.0                                                                              2.0                                                                                3.1 M                                                                              6840    4.9                                       *219  75.0                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.0                                                                               20.0                                                                              2.5                                                                                5.4 M                                                                              7100    11.4                                      220   81.4                                                                              1.5                                                                               1.5                                                                               0.6                                                                               15.0                                                                              0.5                                                                               710K 6260    4.1                                       221   90.0                                                                              0.3                                                                               4.5                                                                               0.2                                                                               5.0                                                                               0  540K 5790    4.7                                       222   79.9                                                                              1.0                                                                               3.5                                                                               0.6                                                                               15.0                                                                              0.3                                                                               830K 6570    3.9                                       223   81.4                                                                              1.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               0.6                                                                               15.0                                                                              0  486K 5610    4.6                                       *224  59.5                                                                              4.5                                                                               4.5                                                                               3.5                                                                               28.0                                                                              0  571K 5790    8.4                                       *225  64.0                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               30.0                                                                              0  1,320K                                                                              7060    6.3                                       226   60.0                                                                              4.0                                                                               4.5                                                                               3.5                                                                               28.0                                                                              0  634K 5880    4.7                                       __________________________________________________________________________      (The mark * identifies comparison samples.)                              

                  TABLE 4                                                          ______________________________________                                                              Specific                                                                       resistance Thermistor                                     Sample               at 25° C.                                                                          constant B                                     No.   Sample         (Ω · cm)                                                                   (300° C./500° C.)                ______________________________________                                          227  Mn-Ni-Cr-Zr(Mg)                                                                               710 KΩcm                                                                            6220K                                          *228  Mn-Ni-Cr-Zr    670 KΩcm                                                                            5910K                                          *229  Mn-Ni-Cr-Mg-Zr 850 KΩcm                                                                            6350K                                          ______________________________________                                          (The mark * identifies comparison samples, which are outside of the claim      of this invention.)                                                      

FIG. 3 clearly shows that the product of Sample No. 227 in which the stabilized zirconia is used excels those of Sample Nos. 228 and 229 in stability at high temperatures. Of the samples listed in Table 3 above, Sample Nos. 204, 207 and 208 are comparison samples of 4 component system and Sample Nos. 202, 203, 205, 209, 210, 219, 224 and 225 are also comparison samples; all of them were found lacking in stability in practical use, giving the rates of resistance change with time at 500° C. in excess of 5%.

As hereabove described, the samples used for measuring the rates of resistance change with time were sintered after dry pressing; however, bead type elements may be used; thus, this invention is not bound by the element manufacturing method.

In EXAMPLE 2 of the present invention, the amount of Zr mixed in when zirconia balls were used in mixing materials and in milling the calcined product was 0.5 atomic % or below on the basis of the thermistor constituent elements as 100 atomic % and the amount of Si mixed in when agate balls were used was 1 atomic % or below. Of the samples shown in Table 3 above, samples containing Si were obtained by using zirconia balls. The ZrO₂ used in the examples was obtained by containing Mg therein as solid solution; thus, it was stabilized zirconia. As this stabilized zirconia, products available on the market or those supplied as samples by material makers were employed, but some of them used were synthesized from oxalates. The microstructure of ceramic, like the one in the previous example, is composed of two phases of Mn-Ni-Cr system oxide spinel crystal and ZrO₂.

<EXAMPLE 3>

Next, an embodiment being a composition comprising 5 kinds of metal elements--Mn, Ni, Cr, calcium (Ca) and Zr, to the sum total of 100 atomic %--is described: It is an oxide semiconductor comprising 5 kinds of metal elements--60.0-98.5 atomic % of Mn, 0.1-5.0 atomic % of Ni, 0.3-5.0 atomic % of Cr, 0.2-3.5 atomic % of Ca and 0.5-28.0 atomic % of Zr, to the sum total of 100 atomic %. Another embodiment further comprising Si added to the composition comprising 5 kinds of metal elements--Mn, Ni, Cr, Ca and Zr, to the sum total of 100 atomic %--at a predetermined rate on the basis of the gross amount thereof is described in conjunction with the aforementioned embodiment. Thus, this embodiment offers an oxide semiconductor for a thermistor further comprising Si added to the composition comprising 5 kinds of metal elements--60.0-98.5 atomic % of Mn, 0.1-5.0 atomic % of Ni, 0.3-5.0 atomic % of Cr, 0.2-3.5 atomic % of Ca and 0.5-28.0 atomic % of Zr, to the sum total of 100 atomic %--at a rate of 2.0 atomic % or below (exclusive of 0 atomic %) on the basis of the gross amount thereof.

These embodiments are described hereunder: First, MnCO₃, NiO and Cr₂ O₃, materials available on the market, and ZrO₂ containing CaO therein as solid solution were proportioned to have the compositions represented by respective atomic % values shown in Table 5 below. Thermistors sealed in glass were manufactured through the same process as in EXAMPLE 1, and the initial characteristics at 25° C. and the B constants calculated by the aforementioned formula (1) from the resistance values at 300° C. and 500° C. are disclosed in the table in conjunction. The rates of resistance change with time at 500° C. were calculated from the resistance values obtained after a lapse of 1000 hr.

Further, Table 6 and FIG. 4 are evidence of the effect achieved by the use of ZrO₂ stabilized by containing Ca therein as solid solution, just as in EXAMPLE 1. In this FIG. 4, A₃ represents the results achieved with a thermistor sensor manufactured by utilizing the stabilized zirconia; B₃ corresponds to Mn-Ni-Cr-Zr system oxide previously offered, and C₃ refers to one obtained by adding calcia and zirconia separately.

                                      TABLE 5                                      __________________________________________________________________________      Sample composition (atom %)                                                                            ρ.sub.25° C.                                                             ##STR2##                                                                               Rate of resistance                       Sample No.                                                                           Mn Ni Cr Ca Zr Si (Ω · cm)                                                             (K)     change with time (%)                      __________________________________________________________________________     301   69.3                                                                              5.0                                                                               5.0                                                                               0.7                                                                               20.0                                                                              0  325K 5540    4.8                                       *302  68.8                                                                              5.5                                                                               5.0                                                                               0.7                                                                               20.0                                                                              0  262K 5470    5.8                                       *303  71.8                                                                              2.0                                                                               5.5                                                                               0.7                                                                               20.0                                                                              0  480K 5760    5.2                                       *304  75.0                                                                              5.0                                                                               5.0                                                                               0  15.0                                                                              0  190K 5410    10.3                                      *305  68.0                                                                              1.5                                                                               1.5                                                                               4.0                                                                               25.0                                                                              0  632K 6090    6.4                                       306   68.5                                                                              1.5                                                                               1.5                                                                               3.5                                                                               25.0                                                                              0  609K 6070    4.9                                       *307  82.5                                                                              0  2.0                                                                               0.5                                                                               15.0                                                                              0   1.2 M                                                                              6640    7.5                                       *308  82.5                                                                              2.0                                                                               0  0.5                                                                               15.0                                                                              0  370K 5630    6.2                                       *309  98.6                                                                              0.4                                                                               0.3                                                                               0.2                                                                               0.5                                                                               0  968K 6340    5.6                                       *310  94.6                                                                              2.5                                                                               2.5                                                                               0.2                                                                               0.2                                                                               0  350K 5530    6.4                                       311   64.0                                                                              2.0                                                                               5.0                                                                               1.0                                                                               28.0                                                                              0  825K 6420    3.9                                       *312  59.5                                                                              4.5                                                                               4.5                                                                               3.5                                                                               28.0                                                                              0  541K 5780    7.8                                       313   77.0                                                                              2.0                                                                               0.3                                                                               0.7                                                                               20.0                                                                              0  418K 5670    4.8                                       314   76.5                                                                              0.3                                                                               2.5                                                                               0.7                                                                               20.0                                                                              0  763K 6290    4.2                                       315   97.8                                                                              0.5                                                                               1.0                                                                               0.2                                                                               0.5                                                                               0  990K 6320    5.0                                       316   74.9                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.1                                                                               20.0                                                                              0  515K 5970    3.9                                       317   74.9                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.1                                                                               20.0                                                                              0.5                                                                               729K 6270    4.2                                       318   74.9                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.1                                                                               20.0                                                                              1.0                                                                               940K 6490    4.4                                       319   74.9                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.1                                                                               20.0                                                                              2.0                                                                                2.3 M                                                                              6800    5.0                                       *320  74.9                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.1                                                                               20.0                                                                              2.5                                                                                5.4 M                                                                              7070    9.8                                       321   79.6                                                                              1.0                                                                               3.5                                                                               0.9                                                                               15.0                                                                              0.3                                                                               708K 6250    4.0                                       322   90.0                                                                              1.0                                                                               3.5                                                                               0.5                                                                               5.0                                                                               0  580K 5800    4.7                                       323   69.0                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               25.0                                                                              0  750K 6290    3.8                                       324   76.3                                                                              1.5                                                                               1.5                                                                               0.7                                                                               20.0                                                                              0.5                                                                               723K 6250    4.1                                       325   81.8                                                                              3.0                                                                               5.0                                                                               0.2                                                                               10.0                                                                              0  545K 5820    4.8                                       326   60.0                                                                              4.0                                                                               4.5                                                                               3.5                                                                               28.0                                                                              0  602K 5870    4.6                                       __________________________________________________________________________

                  TABLE 6                                                          ______________________________________                                                             Specific                                                                       resistance  Thermistor                                     Sample              at 25° C.                                                                           constant B                                     No.   Sample        (Ω · cm)                                                                    (300° C./500° C.)                ______________________________________                                          327  Mn-Ni-Cr-Zr(Ca)                                                                              640 KΩcm                                                                             6030K                                          *328  Mn-Ni-Cr-Zr   670 KΩcm                                                                             5910K                                          *329  Mn-Ni-Cr-Ca-Zr                                                                               530 KΩcm                                                                             5750K                                          ______________________________________                                          (The mark * indentifies comparison sample.)                              

FIG. 4 clearly shows that the product of Sample No. 327 produced by the manufacturing method of this invention excels those of Sample Nos. 328 and 329 in stability at high temperatures.

Of the samples listed in Table 5 above, Sample Nos. 304, 307 and 308 are comparison samples of 4 component system and Samples Nos. 302, 303, 305, 309, 310, 312 and 320 are also comparison samples; all of them were found to lack stability in practical use, giving the rates of resistance change with time at 500° C. in excess of 5%.

As hereabove described, the samples used for measuring the rates of resistance change with time were sintered after dry pressing; however, bead type elements may be used; thus, this invention is not bound by the element manufacturing method.

In EXAMPLE 3 of the present invention, the amount of Zr mixed in when zirconia balls were used in mixing materials and in milling the calcined product was 0.5 atomic % or below on the basis of the thermistor composing elements as 100 atomic % and the amount of Si mixed in when agate balls were used was 1 atomic % or below. Of the samples shown in the table above, samples containing Si were obtained by using zirconia balls. The ZrO₂ used in the examples was all obtained by containing Ca therein as solid solution; thus, it was a stabilized zirconia. As this stabilized zirconia, products available on the market or those supplied as samples by material makers were employed, but some of them used were synthesized from oxalates. The microstructure of ceramic, like the one in the previous example, is composed of two phases of Mn-Ni-Cr system oxide spinel crystal and ZrO₂.

<EXAMPLE 4>

Next, an embodiment being a composition comprising 5 kinds of metal elements--Mn, Ni, Cr lanthanum (La) and Zr, to the sum total of 100 atomic %--is described: It is an oxide semiconductor comprising 5 kinds of metal elements--60.0-98.5 atomic % of Mn, 0.1-5.0 atomic % of Ni, 0.3-5.0 atomic % of Cr, 0.2-5.0 atomic % of La and 0.5-28.0 atomic % of Zr, to the sum total of 100 atomic %. Another embodiment further comprising Si added to the composition comprising 5 kinds of metal elements--Mn, Ni, Cr, La and Zr, to the sum total of 100 atomic %--at a predetermined rate on the basis of the gross amount thereof is described in conjunction with the aforementioned embodiment. Thus, this embodiment provides an oxide semiconductor for a thermistor further comprising Si added to the composition comprising 5 kinds of metal elements--60.0-98.5 atomic % of Mn, 0.1-5.0 atomic % of Ni, 0.3-5.0 atomic % of Cr, 0.2-5.0 atomic % of La and 0.5-28.0 atomic % of Zr, to the sum total of 100 atomic %--at a rate of 2.0 atomic % or below (exclusive of 0 atomic %) on the basis of the gross amount thereof.

These embodiments are described hereunder: First, MnCO₃, NiO and Cr₂ O₃, materials available on the market, and ZrO₂ containing La₂ O₃ therein as solid solution were proportioned to have the compositions represented by respective atomic % values shown in Table 7 below. Thermistors sealed in glass were manufactured through the same process as in EXAMPLE 1, and the initial characteristics obtained with them at 25° C. and the B constants calculated by the aforementioned formula (1) from the resistance values at 300° C. and 500° C. are disclosed in the table in conjunction with other data. The rate of resistance change with time at 500° C. was calculated from the resistance values obtained after a lapse of 1000 hr.

Further, Table 8 below and FIG. 5 are evidence of the effect achieved by the use of ZrO₂ stabilized by containing La therein as solid solution, just as in EXAMPLE 1. In this FIG. 5, A₄ represents the results achieved with a thermistor sensor manufactured by utilizing the stabilized zirconia; B₄ corresponds to Mn-Ni-Cr-Zr system oxide previously offered, and C₄ refers to one obtained by adding lanthanum oxide and zirconia separately.

                                      TABLE 7                                      __________________________________________________________________________      Sample composition (atom %)                                                                            ρ.sub.25° C.                                                             ##STR3##                                                                               Rate of resistance                       Sample No.                                                                           Mn Ni Cr La Zr Si (Ω · cm)                                                             (K)     change with time (%)                      __________________________________________________________________________     401   69.5                                                                              5.0                                                                               5.0                                                                               0.5                                                                               20.0                                                                              0  350K 5650    4.7                                       *402  69.0                                                                              5.5                                                                               5.0                                                                               0.5                                                                               20.0                                                                              0  290K 5510    5.8                                       *403  72.0                                                                              2.0                                                                               5.5                                                                               0.5                                                                               20.0                                                                              0  503K 5830    5.1                                       404   76.0                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               0.6                                                                               19.4                                                                              0  744K 6050    3.9                                       *405  75.0                                                                              5.0                                                                               5.0                                                                               0  15.0                                                                              0  190K 5410    10.3                                      406   68.5                                                                              2.5                                                                               2.5                                                                               1.5                                                                               25.0                                                                              0  718K 6030    4.1                                       *407  64.0                                                                              1.0                                                                               4.0                                                                               1.0                                                                               30.0                                                                              0  875K 6300    5.4                                       408   65.7                                                                              1.0                                                                               3.5                                                                               1.8                                                                               28.0                                                                              0  850K 6260    4.3                                       *409  98.6                                                                              0.4                                                                               0.3                                                                               0.2                                                                               0.5                                                                               0  980K 6350    5.8                                       410   90.0                                                                              0.3                                                                               4.5                                                                               0.2                                                                               5.0                                                                               0  540K 5800    4.9                                       *411  64.5                                                                              2.5                                                                               2.5                                                                               5.5                                                                               25.0                                                                              0  779K 6140    5.3                                       412   62.5                                                                              1.0                                                                               3.5                                                                               5.0                                                                               28.0                                                                              0  914K 6370    5.0                                       *413  81.8                                                                              0  2.3                                                                               0.9                                                                               15.0                                                                              0   1.3 M                                                                              6810    8.3                                       *414  81.8                                                                              2.3                                                                               0  0.9                                                                               15.0                                                                              0  283 M                                                                               5560    6.5                                       415   74.8                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.2                                                                               20.0                                                                              0  576K 6030    3.6                                       416   74.8                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.2                                                                               20.0                                                                              0.5                                                                               807K 6220    3.9                                       417   74.8                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.2                                                                               20.0                                                                              1.0                                                                               1,044K                                                                              6530    4.4                                       418   74.8                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.2                                                                               20.0                                                                              2.0                                                                                2.5 M                                                                              6910    4.8                                       *419  74.8                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.2                                                                               20.0                                                                              2.5                                                                                5.6 M                                                                              7640    7.4                                       420   77.5                                                                              1.0                                                                               0.3                                                                               1.2                                                                               20.0                                                                              0.3                                                                               865K 6290    4.6                                       __________________________________________________________________________      (The mark * identifies comparison sample.)                               

                  TABLE 8                                                          ______________________________________                                                             Specific                                                                       resistance  Thermistor                                     Sample              at 25° C.                                                                           constart B                                     No.   Sample        (Ω · cm)                                                                    (300° C./500° C.)                ______________________________________                                          421  Mn-Ni-Cr-Zr(La)                                                                              650 KΩ · cm                                                                 5940K                                          *422  Mn-Ni-Cr-Zr   670 KΩ · cm                                                                 5910K                                          *423  Mn-Ni-Cr-La-Zr                                                                               790 KΩ · cm                                                                 6160K                                          ______________________________________                                          (The mark * identifies comparison samples.)                              

FIG. 5 clearly shows that the product of Sample No. 421 produced by the manufacturing method of this invention excels those of Sample Nos. 422 and 423 in stability at high temperatures.

Of the samples listed in Table 7 above, Sample Nos. 405, 413 and 414 are comparison samples of 4 component system and Sample Nos. 402, 403, 407, 409, 411 and 419 are also comparison samples; all of them were found to lack stability in practical use, giving the rates of resistance change with time at 500° C. in excess of 5%.

As hereabove described, the samples used for measuring the rates of resistance change with time were sintered after dry pressing; however, bead type elements may be used; thus, this invention is not bound by the element manufacturing method.

In EXAMPLE 4 of the present invention, the amount of Zr mixed in when zirconia balls were used in mixing materials and in pulverizing and mixing the calcined product was 0.5 atomic % or below on the basis of the thermistor constituent elements as 100 atomic % and the amount of Si mixed in when agate balls were used was likewise 1 atomic % or below. Of the samples shown in the table above, samples containing Si were obtained by using zirconia balls. The ZrO₂ used in the examples was all obtained by containing La therein as solid solution; thus, it was stabilized zirconia. As this stabilized zirconia, products available on the market or those supplied as samples by material makers were employed, but some of them used were synthesized from oxalates. The microstructure of ceramic, like the one in the previous example, is composed of two phases of Mn-Ni-Cr system oxide spinel crystal and ZrO₂.

<EXAMPLE 5>

Next, an embodiment being a composition comprising 5 kinds of metal elements--Mn, Ni, Cr, ytterbium (Yb) and Zr, to the sum total of 100 atomic %--is described: It is an oxide semiconductor comprising 5 kinds of metal elements--60.0-98.5 atomic % of Mn, 0.1-5.0 atomic % of Ni, 0.3-5.0 atomic % of Cr, 0.2-5.0 atomic % of Yb and 0.5-28.0 atomic % of Zr, to the sum total of 100 atomic %. Another embodiment further comprising Si added to the composition comprising 5 kinds of metal elements--Mn, Ni, Cr, Yb and Zr, to the sum total of 100 atomic %--at a predetermined rate on the basis of the gross amount thereof is described in conjunction with the aforementioned embodiment. Thus, this embodiment provides an oxide semiconductor for a thermistor further comprising Si added to the composition comprising 5 kinds of metal elements--60.0-98.5 atomic % of Mn, 0.1-5.0 atomic % of Ni, 0.3-5.0 atomic % of Cr, 0.2-5.0 atomic % of Yb and 0.5-28.0 atomic % of Zr, to the sum total of 100 atomic %--at a rate of 2.0 atomic % or below (exclusive of 0 atomic %) on the basis of the gross amount thereof.

These embodiments are described hereunder: First, MnCO₃, NiO and Cr₂ O₃, being materials available on the market, and ZrO₂ containing Y₂ O₃ therein as solid solution were proportioned to have the compositions represented by respective atomic % values shown in Table 9 below. And thermistors sealed in glass were manufactured through the same processes as in EXAMPLE 1, and the initial characteristics obtained with them at 25° C. and the B constants calculated by the aforementioned formula (1) from the resistance values at 300° C. and 500° C. are put up in the table in conjunction with other data. The rates of resistance changes with time at 500° C. were calculated from the resistance values obtained after a lapse of 1000 hr.

Further, Table 10 below and FIG. 6 give evidences of the effect achieved by the use of ZrO₂ stabilized by containing Yb therein as solid solution, just as in EXAMPLE 1. In this FIG. 6, A₅ represents the results achieved with a thermistor sensor manufactured by utilizing the stabilized zirconia; B₅ corresponds to Mn-Ni-Cr-Zr system oxide previously offered, and C₅ refers to the curve obtained by adding ytterbium oxide and zirconia separately.

                                      TABLE 9                                      __________________________________________________________________________      Sample No.                                                                           Sample composition (atom %)MnNiCrYZrSi                                                           (ω · cm)ρ.sub.25°                                         ##STR4##                                                                               Rate of resistancechange with time                                            (%)                                       __________________________________________________________________________     801   69.5                                                                              5.0                                                                               5.0                                                                               0.5                                                                               20.0                                                                              0  415K 5,720   4.6                                       *802  69.0                                                                              5.5                                                                               5.0                                                                               0.5                                                                               20.0                                                                              0  328K 5,570   5.9                                       *803  72.0                                                                              2.0                                                                               5.5                                                                               0.5                                                                               20.0                                                                              0  594K 5,910   5.3                                       804   74.8                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.2                                                                               20.0                                                                              0  630K 6,090   3.0                                       805   60.0                                                                              2.5                                                                               4.5                                                                               5.0                                                                               28.0                                                                              0  963K 6,420   5.0                                       *806  64.0                                                                              1.0                                                                               4.0                                                                               1.0                                                                               30.0                                                                              0  1,067K                                                                              6,490   5.5                                       *807  98.6                                                                              0.4                                                                               0.3                                                                               0.2                                                                               0.5                                                                               0  1,098K                                                                              6,470   5.8                                       808   98.5                                                                              0.5                                                                               0.3                                                                               0.2                                                                               0.5                                                                               0  1,037K                                                                              6,440   5.0                                       *809  82.1                                                                              2.3                                                                               0  0.6                                                                               15.0                                                                              0  310K 5,530   6.2                                       *810  82.1                                                                              0  2.3                                                                               0.6                                                                               15.0                                                                              0   1.5 M                                                                              6,790   7.6                                       *811  59.0                                                                              3.5                                                                               4.5                                                                               5.0                                                                               28.0                                                                              0  891K 6,360   5.4                                       *812  94.6                                                                              2.5                                                                               2.5                                                                               0.2                                                                               0.2                                                                               0  284K 5,510   5.3                                       *813  75.0                                                                              5.0                                                                               5.0                                                                               0  15.0                                                                              0  190K 5,410   10.3                                      814   74.8                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.2                                                                               20.0                                                                              0.5                                                                               840K 6,290   3.5                                       815   74.8                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.2                                                                               20.0                                                                              1.0                                                                               1,062K                                                                              6,490   3.7                                       816   74.8                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.2                                                                               20.0                                                                              2.0                                                                                2.5 M                                                                              6,940   4.8                                       *817  74.8                                                                              2.0                                                                               2.0                                                                               1.2                                                                               20.0                                                                              2.5                                                                                5.6 M                                                                              7,900   12.1                                      818   80.4                                                                              1.5                                                                               2.5                                                                               0.6                                                                               15.0                                                                              0.5                                                                               715K 6,140   4.6                                       819   84.7                                                                              1.0                                                                               4.0                                                                               0.3                                                                               10.0                                                                              0.3                                                                               739K 6,190   4.4                                       820   68.0                                                                              1.5                                                                               2.5                                                                               3.0                                                                               25.0                                                                              0  745K 6,160   3.9                                       *821  61.5                                                                              2.5                                                                               2.5                                                                               5.5                                                                               28.0                                                                              0  880K 6,340   5.7                                       __________________________________________________________________________      (The mark * identifies comparison sample.)                               

                  TABLE 10                                                         ______________________________________                                                             Specific    Thermistor                                     Sample              resistance  constant B                                     No.   Sample        at 25° C.                                                                           (300° C./500° C.)                ______________________________________                                          822  Mn-Ni-Cr-Zr(Yb)                                                                              770 K Ω · cm                                                                6220K                                          *823  Mn-Ni-Cr-Zr   670 K Ω · cm                                                                5910K                                          *824  Mn-Ni-Cr-Yb-Zr                                                                               920 K Ω · cm                                                                6470K                                          ______________________________________                                          (The mark * indentifies comparison sample.)                              

FIG. 6 clearly shows that the product of Sample No. 822 produced by the manufacturing method of this invention excels those of Samples Nos. 823 and 824 in stability at high temperatures. Of the samples listed in Table 9 above, Sample Nos. 809, 810 and 813 are comparison samples of 4 component system and Samples Nos. 802, 803, 806, 807, 811, 812, 817 and 821 are also comparison samples; all of them were found to lack in stability in practical use, giving the rate of resistance change with time at 500° C. in excess of 5%.

As hereabove described, the samples used for measuring the rates of resistance change with time were sintered after dry pressing; however, bead type elements may be used; thus, this invention is not bound by the element manufacturing method.

In EXAMPLE 5 of the present invention, the amount of Zr mixed in when zirconia balls were used in mixing materials and in milling the calcined product was 0.5 atomic % or below on the basis of the thermistor constituent elements at 100 atomic % and the amount of Si mixed in when agate balls were used was likewise 1 atomic % or below. Of the samples shown in the table above, samples containing Si were obtained by using zirconia balls. The ZrO₂ used in the examples was all obtained by containing Yb therein as solid solution; thus, it was a stabilized zirconia. As this stabilized zirconia, products available on the market or those supplied as samples by material makers were employed, but some of them used were synthesized from oxalates. The microstructure of ceramic, like the one in the previous example, is composed of two phases of Mn-Ni-Cr system oxide spinel crystal and ZrO₂.

It may be deduced in sum that in all compositions of EXAMPLES 1 through 5, the addition of the stabilized zirconia effects to stabilize the thermistor at high temperatures. The effect of addition of SiO₂ is evidenced in the high density due to accelerated sintering and the control of specific resistance.

The limitation for the aforementioned composition range is set regarding the rate of resistance change with time within ±5% (after a lapse of 1000 hr) in high temperature life test as the standard, as applied in Tables 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9; products which give values in excess of ±5% were excluded from the acceptable range regarding them as of lacking in reliability.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described in the foregoing, the oxide semiconductors for thermistors have excellent characteristics as temperature sensors for use at intermediary and high temperature ranges; that is, giving the rate of resistance change with time at temperatures of 200°-500° C. as small as within ±5%, it is most suitable for temperature measurement where high reliability is required at high temperatures. Its utility value is highly appreciated in such fields as temperature control of electronic ranges and preheater pots of petroleum fan heaters, etc.. 

I claim:
 1. An oxide semiconductor for a thermistor made of a sintered mixture of metal oxides and useful as a temperature sensor in a middle temperature range of about 200° C. to at least 500° C., comprising 60.0-98.5 atomic % of manganese (Mn), 0.1-5.0 atomic % of nickel (Ni), 0.3-5.0 atomic % of chromium (Cr), 0.2-5.0 atomic % of yttrium (Y) and 0.5-28.0 atomic % of zirconium (Zr), to the sum total of 100 atomic %.
 2. An oxide semiconductor for a thermistor in accordance with claim 1 wherein said oxide semiconductor for a thermistor is constituted by utilizing stabilized zirconia (ZrO₂) containing yttria (Y₂ O₃) therein as solid solution.
 3. An oxide semiconductor for a thermistor made of a sintered mixture of metal oxides and useful as a temperature sensor in a middle temperature range of about 200° C. to at least 500° C., comprising 60.0-98.5 atomic % of manganese (Mn), 0.1-5.0 atomic % of nickel (Ni), 0.3-5.0 atomic % of chromium (Cr), 0.2-5.0 atomic % of yttrium (Y) and 0.5-28.0 atomic % of zirconium (Zr), to the sum total of 100 atomic %--and which further contains silicon (Si) at a rate of 0.05-2.0 atomic % on the basis of the total amount of components exclusive of silicon (Si).
 4. An oxide semiconductor for a thermistor in accordance with claim 3 wherein said oxide semiconductor for a thermistor is constituted by utilizing stabilized zirconia (ZrO₂) containing yttria (Y₂ O₃) therein as solid solution.
 5. An oxide semiconductor for a thermistor made of a sintered mixture of metal oxides and useful as a temperature sensor in a middle temperature range of about 200° C. to at least 500° C., comprising 60.0-98.5 atomic % of manganese (Mn), 0.1-5.0 atomic % of nickel (Ni), 0.3-5.0 atomic % of chromium (Cr), 0.2-3.5 atomic % of magnesium (Mg) and 0.5-28.0 atomic % of zirconium (Zr), to the sum total of 100 atomic %.
 6. An oxide semiconductor for a thermistor in accordance with claim 5 wherein said oxide semiconductor for a thermistor is constituted by utilizing stabilized zirconia (ZrO₂) containing magnesia (MgO) therein as solid solution.
 7. An oxide semiconductor for a thermistor made of a sintered mixture of metal oxides and useful as a temperature sensor in a middle temperature range of about 200° C. to at least 500° C., comprising 60.0-98.5 atomic % of manganese (Mn), 0.1-5.0 atomic % of nickel (Ni), 0.3-5.0 atomic % of chromium (Cr). 0.2-3.5 atomic % of magnesium (Mg) and 0.5-28.0 atomic % of zirconium (Zr), to the sum total of 100 atomic %--and which further contains silicon (Si) at a rate of 0.05-2.0 atomic % on the basis of the total amount of components exclusive of silicon (Si).
 8. An oxide semiconductor for a thermistor in accordance with claim 7 wherein said oxide semiconductor for a thermistor is constituted by utilizing stabilized zirconia (ZrO₂) containing magnesia (MgO) therein as solid solution.
 9. An oxide semiconductor for a thermistor made of a sintered mixture of metal oxides and useful as a temperature sensor in a middle temperature range of about 200° C. to at least 500° C., comprising 60.0-98.5 atomic % of manganese (Mn), 0.1-5.0 atomic % of nickel (Ni), 0.3-5.0 atomic % of chromium (Cr), 0.2-3.5 atomic % of calcium (Ca) and 0.5-28.0 atomic % of zirconium (Zr), to the sum total of 100 atomic %.
 10. An oxide semiconductor for a thermistor in accordance with claim 9 wherein said oxide semiconductor for a thermistor is constituted by utilizing stabilized zirconia (ZrO₂) containing calcia (CaO) therein as solid solution.
 11. An oxide semiconductor for a thermistor made of a sintered mixture of metal oxides and useful as a temperature sensor in a middle temperature range of about 200° C. to at least 500° C., comprising 60.0-98.5 atomic % of manganese (Mn), 0.1-5.0 atomic % of nickel (Ni), 0.3-5.0 atomic % of chromium (Cr), 0.2-3.5 atomic % of Calcium (Ca) and 0.5-28.0 atomic % of zirconium (Zr), to the sum total of 100 atomic %--and which further contains silicon (Si) at a rate of 0.05-2.0 atomic % on the basis of the total amount of components exclusive of silicon (Si).
 12. An oxide semiconductor for a thermistor in accordance with claim 11 wherein said oxide semiconductor for a thermistor is constituted by utilizing stabilized zirconia (ZrO₂) containing calcia (CaO) therein as solid solution.
 13. An oxide semiconductor for a thermistor made of a sintered mixture of metal oxides and useful as a temperature sensor in a middle temperature range of about 200° C. to at least 500° C., comprising 60.0-98.5 atomic % of manganese (Mn), 0.1-5.0 atomic % of nickel (Ni), 0.3-5.0 atomic % of chromium (Cr), 0.2-5.0 atomic % of lanthanum (La) and 0.5-28.0 atomic % of zirconium (Zr), to the sum total of 100 atomic %.
 14. An oxide semiconductor for a thermistor in accordance with claim 13 wherein said oxide semiconductor for a thermistor is constituted by utilizing stabilized zirconia (ZrO₂) containing lanthanum oxide (La₂ O₃) therein as solid solution.
 15. An oxide semiconductor for a thermistor made of a sintered mixture of metal oxides and useful as temperature sensor in a middle temperature range of about 200° C. to at least 500° C., comprising 60.0-98.5 atomic % of manganese (Mn), 0.1-5.0 atomic % of nickel (Ni), 0.3-5.0 atomic % of chromium (Cr), 0.2-5.0 atomic % of lanthanum (La) and 0.5-28.0 atomic % of zirconium (Zr), to the sum total of 100 atomic %--and which further contains silicon (Si) at a rate of 0.05-2.0 atomic % on the basis of the total amount of components exclusive of silicon (Si).
 16. An oxide semiconductor for a thermistor in accordance with claim 15 wherein said oxide semiconductor for a thermistor is constituted by utilizing stabilized zirconia (ZrO₂) containing lanthanum oxide (La₂ O₃) therein as solid solution.
 17. An oxide semiconductor for a thermistor made of a sintered mixture of metal oxides and useful as a temperature sensor in a middle temperature range of about 200° C. to at least 500° C., comprising 60.0-98.5 atomic % of manganese (Mn), 0.5-5.0 atomic % of nickel (Ni), 0.3-5.0 atomic % of chromium (Cr), 0.2-5.0 atomic % of ytterbium (Yb) and 0.5-28.0 atomic % of zirconium (Zr), to the sum total of 100 atomic %.
 18. An oxide semiconductor for a thermistor in accordance with claim 17 wherein said oxide semiconductor for a thermistor is constituted by utilizing stabilized zirconia (ZrO₂) containing ytterbium oxide (Yb₂ O₃) therein as solid solution.
 19. An oxide semiconductor for a thermistor made of a sintered mixture of metal oxides and useful as a temperature sensor in a middle temperature range of about 200° C. to at least 500° C., comprising 60.05-98.5 atomic % of manganese (Mn), 0.1-5.0 atomic % of nickel (Ni), 0.3-5.0 atomic % of chromium (Cr), 0.2-5.0 atomic % of ytterbium (Yb) and 0.5-28.0 atomic % of zirconium (Zr), to the sum total of 100 atomic %--and which further contains silicon (Si) at a rate of 0.05-2.0 atomic % on the basis of the total amount of components exclusive of silicon (Si).
 20. An oxide semiconductor for a thermistor in accordance with claim 19 wherein said oxide semiconductor for a thermistor is constituted by utilizing stabilized zirconia (ZrO₂) containing ytterbium oxide (Yb₂ O₃) therein as solid solution. 